The captain of a cargo ship involved in a collision with an oil tanker in the North Sea has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter following the death of a crew member. The incident occurred off the coast of East Yorkshire on a Monday morning.
The cargo ship, named Solong, is registered in Portugal, while the tanker, Stena Immaculate, is from the US. Filipino crew member Mark Angelo Pernia, 38, is presumed dead after the accident. The captain of Solong, 59-year-old Vladimir Motin from Russia, appeared in court but did not enter a plea. He is currently in custody and set to return to court in April.
During the hearing, it was confirmed that all 23 crew members on the Stena Immaculate were rescued, along with 13 of the 14 crew from Solong. Sadly, Pernia could not be located.
Police arrested Motin on suspicion of manslaughter a few hours after the crash. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is investigating the cause. Initial reports indicate Solong was sailing from Grangemouth to Rotterdam and had navigated that route frequently. At 09:47 GMT, it collided with Stena Immaculate, which was anchored near the River Humber.
The Stena Immaculate is carrying a large shipment of aviation fuel, and salvage experts are now carefully assessing its condition. Fortunately, latest updates from the coastguard indicate that there is no pollution risk from either vessel.
This accident highlights ongoing concerns about maritime safety. In recent years, maritime traffic has increased, raising the stakes for incidents like this one. The International Maritime Organization reported a steady rise in shipping incidents over the past decade, emphasizing the need for improved training and safety regulations.
As investigations continue, experts stress the importance of thorough training for captains and crew members, who face challenging conditions at sea. It’s a reminder that in the shipping industry, even experienced sailors must remain vigilant.
In the aftermath of this incident, there has been a noticeable conversation on social media, with users expressing sorrow for the victim and calling for enhanced safety standards. The maritime community is watching closely as further details emerge, hopeful that measures will be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.
For ongoing updates on this case, you can follow developments through the Marine Accident Investigation Branch.